So with the posting of a simple question there has been a lot of discussion lately about who is involved with BigCloset, and Doppler Press and how everything works with the new corporate structures.
Because of the confusion we thought we'd post a blog explaining how it all works, for the most part.
Myself (Piper), Erin and Cat are in primary control of BigCloset TopShelf, Hatbox and associated sites (TGFiction.Net, Stardust, Fictioneer, etc). We run the day to day maintenance, keep the servers tuned and up to date. We pay for the hosting of the servers, hardware upgrades, add features where we see them needed or just think they would be neat.
We (mostly Erin & Cat) along with a group of Volunteers (including Sephrena) handle the day to day work of adding new authors to the Author List, adding stories to Book Table of Contents where needed, monitoring comments and blogs, and taking requests from users for fixes and changes.
Now Doppler Press, is its own Corporation and is handled differently. Cat, and Erin mostly handle creating Covers for Books, Editing Stories, and picking from submissions by Authors the stuff that we feel has a good chance of making it. We also have a couple of outside Editors and Artists we hire as needed to help them in this process. I try and help where I can, but we have several other projects in the mix that are keeping me tied up and out of the process for the time being.
As you know, Doppler Press also has another partner, Katie Leone, an accomplished author in the field of Self-Publishing, who basically manages the Amazon side of things. Making sure the books format correctly, managing marketing, and making sure we are kept abreast of the many changes in marketing books through amazon. Katie also has useful contacts with outside editors and publicists.
While the climate around the Internet has changed alot with many Authors removing their stories from free sites like BigCloset and Fictionmania, we have chosen to help many of these authors in their goal of having their works published on Amazon and other outlets, while striving to help support our continued goal of bringing you Quality Free Transgender Fiction, along with a Friendly Supportive Community in which to discuss them.
We have added many new facets to the site, we are still the same (in my opinion) Amazingly, Awesome, Wonderful Site/Community we have always been, in large part because of the authors and readers. I hope you feel the same.
-Piper
Comments
Climate Change
The music industry has gone through tremendous change over the last few years with revenue coming from much different areas. Publishing is going down a similar path of disruption.
Writing involves huge egos. In order to successfully balance characters', readers' and your own concerns requires a fantastic amount of "Look At Me".
Everyone has an agenda. For some it is mainly "How Do I Get Through Today". For others it seemingly becomes highly complex and filled with the human intrigue of deeming one's self as too successful to give your work away.
BC has been swimming in Arrogant Stew for many years. Erin's magic is mainly keeping egos from self-destructing. Add to all that the fragile nature of the transgendered and you have an absolute need for Rule Number One.
The new BC structure seems good for at least site perpetuation, if not for the creation of a trusted choice to help with publication.
Change can be good. It doesn't have to be feared. It does have to be thoughtful and creative.
For the last few years I've watched writers who apparently think that they can pull their material from this site and still successfully use BC as a billboard for their personal sales. I've nothing against writers seeking personal gain, but wonder at the shortsightedness of those who have seemingly become only takers.
Nothing has really changed on BC, because fundamentally nothing can really change from the tried and true reality. This sites operates on the gifts freely and abundantly given: cash, content, and time. All three are needed to attract traffic. Without traffic this site will fail. That is the first law of the Internet.
Traffic appears to be at an all-time high. That fires ad income and partnership interest. It also fuels comments and kudos, which stimulates writers.
Without good content, traffic will falter. Those who want to use this site for sales need to understand that and continue to balance their writing between that held for sale and that meant to feed the beast at BC.
Not too many days ago Katie wrote a blog about "What to do? What to do?" Katie is seeking balance.
For others, the answer is simple. Write more. Sell more. Publish more on BC.
Balance your deposits and withdrawals, at least. Even better, put a little extra into BC for that rainy day that will surely come.
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)